Trump administration claws back $20 billion in climate funds
reuters
reuters
The Trump administration has blocked $20 billion in funding for greenhouse gas reduction, angering climate advocates and Democrats. The EPA says the funds don't align with its priorities, but legal challenges have already begun.
The Trump administration has put a halt to $20 billion in funding aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, sparking strong criticism from climate advocates and Democrats who argue it illegally redirects money meant for clean energy and transportation projects in disadvantaged communities.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin made the controversial move, claiming that the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund—established under the Biden administration to reduce pollution—did not align with the EPA’s priorities. Zeldin also cited concerns over potential fraud and misuse of the funds, though specifics were not provided.
The Justice Department and FBI are currently reviewing the program. Despite the freeze, the EPA has pledged to ensure that taxpayer money is spent responsibly, though it has not clarified how it plans to reallocate the funds.
The $20 billion was part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act under President Biden, but the EPA’s action comes amid ongoing legal challenges related to climate change and environmental justice. Over the weekend, the Climate United Fund sued the EPA and Citigroup, accusing them of breaching a legally-binding agreement by withholding the funds, which have left several recipients unable to access them.
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